Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day History

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day commemorates the lives lost and the sacrifices made by military servicemen and civilians during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The event led to the United States' entry into World War II, marking a significant turning point in the nation's history and shaping its involvement in global affairs. The primary purpose of this day is to pay tribute to the individuals affected by the tragedy and to remember the courage, resilience, and determination displayed by the American people during this pivotal moment in history.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese forces launched a surprise aerial attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The assault resulted in the deaths of 2,403 American servicemen and civilians, and the destruction of numerous aircraft and naval vessels. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared December 7 as "a date which will live in infamy," and the United States subsequently declared war on Japan, joining the Allied forces against the Axis powers during World War II.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also known as National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance, entails various events and ceremonies, such as memorial services, wreath-laying ceremonies, and patriotic concerts held throughout the country. Moments of silence and other tributes serve as solemn reminders of an historic time in American history. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is observed annually on December 7th.

Facts & quotes about Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

• Within hours of the attack, Canada was the first nation to declare war on Japan. The United States declared war the following day.
• The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal was established by the United States Congress on November 5, 1990. U.S. Armed Forces veterans and civilians who served, were injured or killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor were eligible to receive the medal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the attack. (Public Law 101-510, 104 Stat. 1721 and Public Law. 104-201, 110 Stat. 2654)
• The USS Arizona Memorial was built in 1962 to mark the resting place of the 1,102 sailors and marines who died on the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
• ...commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor will instill in all people of the United States a greater understanding and appreciation of the selfless sacrifice of the individuals who served in the armed forces of the United States during World War II... (Public Law 103-308)
• Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. - President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This speech by President Roosevelt is widely cited and referred to as the Infamy Speech or Pearl Harbor Speech.

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Top things to do for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

• Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial on Oahu Island in Hawaii.
• Attend the 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the invasion of Pearl Harbor. Ceremonies will be held at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center in Honolulu, Hawaii between December 3-11, 2016
• Spend some time learning about the Second World War and the US involvement that began after Pearl Harbor.
• Attend a remembrance ceremony at your local naval club, army base, naval base, or museum of war.
• Watch movies about Pearl Harbor and World War II. Here are some recommendations:
  1) Pearl Harbor (2001)
  2) Saving Private Ryan (1998)
  3) Inglorious Basterds (2009)
  4) Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
  5) Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
  6) Empire of the Sun (1987)
  7) The Longest Day (1962)
  8) Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
  9) Schindler's List (1993)
  10) The Pianist (2002)